N. Korea reports leader Kim's surprise visit to China

North Korea announced on Sunday that leader Kim Jong-un had made an unexpected visit to China the previous day. This trip underscores the growing efforts by both nations to enhance their bilateral relationship. According to South Korean government sources on Saturday, Kim had journeyed to the Chinese border city of Dandong, where he engaged in a meeting with Wang Huning, China's fourth-highest-ranking official and head of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday that Kim paid a visit to Dandong the day before, where he honored a war memorial for Chinese soldiers who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War. He stated that North Korea would continue to uphold the "invincible friendship" between the two countries, as reported by KCNA.

Kim also attended a banquet hosted by Wang at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping and visited a bus factory in Dandong before departing for home via the recently constructed bridge over the Amnok River, also known as the Yalu River, according to KCNA. Kim's visit to China marked his first known trip to the country since September 2025.